On Wednesday night at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics found their way back into the win column. Following two straight losses on the parquet, a young, rebuilding Washington Wizards team proved the ideal opponent for the hosts to get right against.
Now, the Celtics must build off their 136-107 victory. Their next test is a two-game mini-series against the Orlando Magic. Friday's matchup at the Kia Center is an NBA Cup contest. Boston is 1-0 in group play. That's thanks to surviving a 109-108 thriller against the Philadelphia 76ers in the City of Brotherly Love.
As the Celtics aim to start 2-0 in Group B in the East, they made a late addition to their injury report. They have ruled out Xavier Tillman Sr. due to personal reasons.
The six-year veteran has appeared in seven of Boston's nine tilts. He is averaging 2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in 8.7 minutes. While his three-point shot has yet to produce better results, his form looks smoother, and he's less hesitant to let it fly than he was a year ago. Hopefully, that will lead to better results than his 25 percent conversion rate when he rejoins the lineup.
What's already paying dividends is Tillman's work to shed 12 pounds. That, coupled with a healthier knee, has made him more mobile. That has allowed him to be more impactful on the defensive end of the floor, where he is again showcasing his versatility and comfort switching onto perimeter players.
The only other player listed on the Celtics' injury report is Jayson Tatum, as he rehabs from a torn Achilles tendon.
Who's out for the Magic?
As for the hosts, the only player they're without is Moritz Wagner. The six-foot-11 center, who briefly spent time with Boston, is working his way back from a left knee injury.
Despite making headlines by acquiring Desmond Bane this offseason, Orlando is 3-5 to start a turbulent campaign. They're coming off a 127-112 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. While they are returning to the comforts of home, they're 1-2 at the Kia Center so far this season.
Now they have a weekend to gain a sliver of revenge for Boston bouncing them from the first round of the playoffs last year in a physical and contentious series.
What once looked like a potential postseason matchup for years to come has turned into Orlando parting with significant draft capital to acquire Bane, hoping to take advantage of the Celtics entering a projected gap year from title contention.
That hasn't gotten off to the start the Magic envisioned. Meanwhile, their opponent intends to re-enter the championship chat as soon as Tatum's healthy and ready to resume his role in leading them in the pursuit of banner 19.
Friday's matchup tips off at 7 p.m. EST.